skivvy

1

or sciv·vy

[ skiv-ee ]
/ ˈskɪv i /

noun, plural skiv·vies. Informal.

Also called skivvy shirt. a man's cotton T-shirt.
skivvies, underwear consisting of cotton T-shirt and shorts.
a thin sweater with a round neck, usually worn over a blouse, turtleneck, or the like.

Origin of skivvy

1
First recorded in 1925–30; origin uncertain

Definition for skivvy (2 of 2)

skivvy 2
[ skiv-ee ]
/ ˈskɪv i /
British Disparaging.

noun, plural skiv·vies.

a female servant, especially a chambermaid.

verb (used without object), skiv·vied, skiv·vy·ing.

to work as a skivvy.

Origin of skivvy

2
First recorded in 1910–15; origin uncertain

usage note for skivvy

This term is used with disparaging intent, implying the low rank of such a servant.

Example sentences from the Web for skivvy

British Dictionary definitions for skivvy (1 of 2)

skivvy 1
/ (ˈskɪvɪ) /

noun plural -vies

mainly British often derogatory a servant, esp a female, who does menial work of all kinds; drudge

verb -vies, -vying or -vied

(intr) British to work as a skivvy

Word Origin for skivvy

C20: of unknown origin

British Dictionary definitions for skivvy (2 of 2)

skivvy 2
/ (ˈskɪvɪ) /

noun plural -vies

slang, mainly US a man's T-shirt or vest
(plural) slang, mainly US men's underwear
Australian and NZ a garment resembling a sweater with long sleeves and a polo neck, usually made of stretch cotton or cotton and polyester and worn by either sex

Word Origin for skivvy

of unknown origin